Illinois made another addition to its coaching staff Monday, hiring former NFL running back Tyrone Wheatley as running backs coach.

Wheatley joins head coach Bret Bielema’s staff with an impressive resume, serving as running backs coach for three NFL teams and various schools. 

“Coach Wheatley is an accomplished coach with proven success in both the NFL and college football,” wrote Bielema to Fighting Illini Athletics. “Our program will benefit immediately from his experience as a running backs coach and head coach.”

Wheatley spent time with the NFL’s Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, working for all three as running backs coach. In 2017, with Jacksonville, he led a running back core that led the league in rushing yards (2,262) behind Leonard Fournette’s 1,000-yard season.

The coach also has experience leading college running backs, working with Michigan and Syracuse, among other programs. 

Wheatley’s most recent experience came with Wayne State, where he served as head coach from 2023-2025. 

He played 10 seasons NFL as a running back, registering a 1,000-yard season with the Oakland Raiders in 2000.

“I want to sincerely thank Coach Bielema for his trust, belief, and invitation to join his staff,” Wheatley wrote to Fighting Illini Athletics. “Coach Bielema has built a culture defined by toughness, discipline, and accountability. To coach under a leader with his experience, vision, and championship pedigree is an absolute honor.”

Wheatley takes charge of a running backs room that will look a little different next season. Bielema recently announced that junior running back Kaden Feagin will play tight end this coming season, while junior tight end Jordan Anderson will take his place at running back. Sophomore running back Ca’Lil Valentine and junior running back Aidan Laughery remain as the team’s primary rushing threats.

Illinois adds Wheatley after recently hiring Ronnie Bradford as secondary coach and Roger Cooper as inside linebackers coach.

@BrendanGallian

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